Carte Pour L’Introduction a L’Histoire d’Angleterre Ou l’on voit son Premier Gouvernement, et l’Etat Abrege de Cette Monarchie Sous les Empereurs Romains, et sous Les Rois Saxons

“Map for the Introduction to the History of England, were we see its First Government, and the Abridged State of this Monarchy Under the Roman Emperors, and under the Saxon Kings” – Approximate title translation. This fascinating composition highlights the scores of kings and queens who have laid claim to the crown of the British Isles. A map in the upper center shows Roman Britain around the time of Caesar’s conquest, with a gruesome scene of the original Celtic Britons included. Surrounding text provides a succinct political and religious history. A chronology of leaders begins with Julius Caesar (below map) and continues to the House of Stuart and Queen Anne. The copperplate-engraved sheet was originally published in Paris as part of Henri Abraham Chatelain’s important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was reprinted until the late 1730s. The scholarly, but approachable, work was aimed at a broad audience, eager for new information during the Age of Enlightenment. The breadth of content offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science. The descriptive text (in French) and skillfully engraved maps, diagrams, and illustrations provide a fascinating window into the world of the early 18th century.